Minden Cross
The Mindener Kreuz is one of the greatest Romanesque art treasures in Germany . It is a very rare, Christian grand cross from the 11th century and is said to have been made in a workshop in Helmarshausen around 1070 - recent research indicates the early 12th century . Rogerus von Helmarshausen is viewed as a possible creator of the Minden Cross .
The continuously Romanesque bronze body is 1.05 m tall and is an extraordinary feature, as it does not have any wounds, as is otherwise common in depictions of Jesus . Another special feature are the feet of Jesus, as they are not depicted lying on top of each other, but side by side, giving the impression that Jesus was only sleeping. This impression is further supported by the missing crown of thorns. The feet also stand on a dragon, the symbol of evil that was defeated by Jesus' death. The entire body was cast from a total of six bronze parts and was originally gold-plated. The loincloth of Jesus consists of a mixture of copper , silver , lead and borax ( Niello technique). The eyeballs are made entirely of silver.
The cross bears the inscription:
HOC REPAIR XPC DEUS IN LIGNO CRUCIFIXUS QUOD DESTRUXIT ADAM DECEPTUS IN ARBORE QUADAM
“ This is what Christ, God crucified on the tree, restores what Adam who was deceived on the tree destroyed. "
The original of the Minden Cross is in the cathedral treasury of Minden Cathedral , a copy now hangs over the altar of Minden Cathedral. The original crucifix has probably been in the community since the consecration of the new cathedral in 1072.
Detailed view of the Minden Cross
Loincloth in niello technique
Web links
Coordinates: 52 ° 17 ′ 19 ″ N , 8 ° 55 ′ 7 ″ E